Method and Device for Improving Battery Life of a Mobile Computing Device

Abstract

A method (150) and device (200) adapted to run an application in synchronous communication with an application server is described. The method (150) can include the steps of: detecting (155) motion in proximity to the mobile computing device; and adjusting (160) a synchronization interval between the mobile computing device and a server in response to the detected motion. The method and device can provide substantial energy savings in an energy storage device for a mobile computing device and provides a useful compromise for energy conservation on one hand, while also accommodating a user's demand for a short synchronization interval when desired, on the other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention relates to mobile computing devices and the energy storage device for mobile computing devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Mobile computing devices, such as mobile or wireless stations, cellphones, radios, laptops, wireless communication devices and the like, operate with a power storage device with a limited energy supply, such as a battery, fuel cell or the like. A mobile computing device needs a power source and, in many cases, this power source is a battery. For instance, cellular phones use various types of batteries to operate. The amount of time a mobile station can typically operate before the energy of the battery is consumed (which is often referred to as “battery life”), is often an important criteria that consumers use in choosing one brand or type of mobile computing device over another brand. The terms battery, energy storage device and power storage device are used interchangeably herein.[0003]While the power...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]FIG. 2 is a flowchart of one example of an approach for improving the battery life of a mobile computing device according to the present invention;

Problems solved by technology

While the power storage device is generally rechargeable, it may not be convenient or even possible for a user to recharge.

Additionally, different operating environments can cause the user to be surprised and / or frustrated when the battery runs out much more quickly than would typically be expected by the user.

Thus, a variation or unexpected short battery life is very undesirable from a user perspective.

This is a particularly relevant problem for mobile computing devices running applications supported by an applications server because of the power drain due to the wireless data exchange between the mobile device and the server, since each download causes the consumption of energy in the mobile device and server.

The problem is especially acute in the mobile device, which is typically battery powered and has finite energy available.

However, since application usage is a human behavior, the optimum download period cannot always be predicted and scheduled.

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